Tag Archives: Horror

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Don of the Living Dead

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don of the living deadDon of the Living Dead
by Robert DeCoteau

 

This was supposed to be an extension or so I thought of the Primrose Apt novellas that came before. They made one reference to the fact that he lived at those apartments and moved on quickly, I had thought they were going to play a part in this novel, not. I would have given this 5 stars but it didn’t hit all the marks for me when it comes to my zombies, but it came pretty darn close. I would have liked to have gotten more with some of the characters since they were there and gone so quickly they did not have a chance to fully register before they were zombie chow. I liked the idea behind how these zombies came into existence but it would have been nice to give a little more information since it was mentioned. Our main character was written with great detail and definitely elicited a number of reactions both good and bad.

Don is a guy who does his job well but is not going to go out of his way for it or anything or anyone else, or so he tells himself. On this day, which starts out like any other, Don has had to track down the sandwich girl and now he is going for his after lunch dump on company time when things get strange. While not the best way to get caught when the dead start to walk at least he has a door between him and them. It takes some time for Don to figure it out but he realizes he is trapped in the bathroom with zombies and has to get out in order to try and get his son and ex-wife away from the madness. What happens next is complete craziness with some heroics by a guy you would not expect it from.

I was totally ready to hate Don because he seemed like a sexist, racist, annoying, full of himself jerk. He hooks up with people who are also survivors and at first seems not to like them and in a blink he is professing to think of them as friends. Long story short Don turns out to be a good guy and even though a lot of the people he started out with do not survive he manages to keep it together even though he may not make it. Nice ride with a few laughs and some serious gross out moments. Good zombie fun!

 

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

 

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Zombie Tales

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zombie tales 205Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 205
by Robert DeCoteau

This is one of three short stories set in the Primrose Court apartment complex. The story centers on a man with agoraphobia who has not left his apartment for ten year. We get his full background and the story of why he ended up there, and how he feels about his neighbors. What you do not have is any amount of zombies here really. Only on the last few pages do you get even a glimpse of zombie action.

If you want a tale of zombies running around eating people, do not read this. On the other hand if you like a narrative with limited carnage you may enjoy it.

All the books have a few chapters from the book “Don of the Living Dead” which is set in the same locale. They can be seen as a lead in to the major story. These books can be read in any order but I would say start here because it introduces you to the next characters you will meet.

 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

 

zombie tales 305Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 305
by Robert DeCoteau

 

Ok, this time I knew what was coming. The story here centers around a couple, their marital problems and how they play out. You have the same lack of zombies until the end of the story but a nice bit of karmic justice. There is not a lot to say about this since it has no major scenes of carnage or zombie rampage.

The story is good for what it is.

 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

 

zombie tales 502Zombie Tales: Primrose Court Apt. 502
by Robert DeCoteau

I liked this story more than the others because Tommy seemed so sympathetic. This placed you more directly into the world of the novel and gave a view of the start of the zombie onslaught from above. I say enjoy the short and go for the main event. I think it may be interesting to read the full length book.

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

 

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The Lost Journals of Private Kenji Yoshida Part 1 & 2

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the lost journal of private kenji yoshidaThe Lost Journal of Private Kenji Yoshida (Secret Apocalypse #1.5)
by James Harden

 

This was a nice short read that leads you into what caused the tragedy in Australia in the first place as well as letting you get to know one of the main characters from the Secret Apocalypse series. The story flows forward giving you information enough to understand what is going on. The language works for the character and the situations that he is in. This is not an adrenaline rush type of thing but more of a gradual build with a narrative that overlays all.

Kenji Yoshida was shipped off to military school by his parents and because he was so angry he did not say goodbye to the girl he had feelings for. He runs away from the school and joins the Marines even though he is underage and becomes a marksman. Having been deployed when he returns he has trouble adjusting and the doctor suggests that he keep a journal so that he does not continue to internalize his feelings. That journal details his deployments and the final deployment to Australia to help at an immigration center. What he learns there spurs him to go and find Rebecca and warn her about what is happening.

I’m not going to say it’s riveting but it’s like being in the mind of someone while they debate with themselves. A nice addition to the series.

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dear Rebecca. I’m sorry I left. I was an idiot. I should’ve told you. I miss you. Please forgive me. Do you want to get some pizza?

 

 

the lost journal of private kenji yoshida part two
by James Harden

 

Private Kenji Yoshida continues his adventures in Australia with Jack and Maria since he was able to get Rachel to safety outside the country. This is simply the journal entries he made after Rachel and Kim escaped but before she made her reappearance in the country. It is actually pretty nice since it fills in some of the questions that I had when reading the novels.

They are trying to evade the hoards of zombies which are running the streets of Sydney as well as the military troops who have been tasked with containing the contagion. Unfortunately that means killing everyone they see without checking to see if they are infected. The main goal of this trio is to get Maria to safety because she is special and possibly could save them all.

This is a good series and definitely takes you to places that no other has ever done. The Secret Apocalypse series has a young cast but they are very good at this survival thing.

 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

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Trudge / Soldier On

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trudge

Trudge (Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse #1)

Zombie novels can easily become generic in nature. This one held my attention and made me like the main characters in a short amount of time. You have the usual carnage but also a story of family and loyalty and survival.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good sequel to the first book. I don’t want to loose anyone else because I have become so invested in their survival. The pace was a bit slow for me but it got me to where it needed. Great writing!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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Old Blood

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old blood

Old Blood (Experiment in Terror #5.5)

This is not a stand alone novella, if you have not read books 1-5 do not start here.

The story of Creepy Clown Lady, Pippa, is not a completely happy one. She starts her tale when she was a little girl right up to her death and beyond. You find out why she approached Perry the way that she did and why. What her relationship was with Dex and how she knew about him. You also get an insight into Ingrid, Perry’s mother, who watches her daughter with worry and fear.

I felt so much for her while at the same time wondering how she could make some of the decisions that she did. This short tale allows us to see how the previous novels come together. Pippa has been a prominent character throughout and we find out why she has made it her mission to bring Dex and Perry together, maybe to find the happiness she never did.

A good fast read that will make you feel for this lonely woman who only wanted to be loved.

 

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

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Alive In A Dead World/Till Death Do Us Part

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alive in a dead world

Alive In A Dead World (Zombie Fallout #5)

I love these books. I find my self liking the characters and hating to see anything bad happen to them. The lose of Paul, though a side character was traumatic. BT is a great guy and I hope to see more of him. Looking forward to seeing Mike again and getting back at Eliza for being such a monumental *B—ch.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
til death do us part

‘Till Death Do Us Part (Zombie Fallout #6)

I loved this! You get more background on everyone and get to see them all grow and learn to survive in such hostile circumstances. The Talbots may be a bit crazy, but they are what family is all about.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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The Dex Files

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the dex files

The Dex-Files (Experiment in Terror #5.7)

To finally get some more background on Dex is fantastic!

What’s offered up are different scenes from each book in the series up to this point as well as new insights from Dex’s past. While the language may be to much for some, Dex does have a flair for the profane, it is no worse than you would hear on a cable show. While I was given to understand that the sexual content was high and a bit raunchy, have to say that I found it fairly tame.

Dex is a complicated character who has a number of problems when it comes to relating to people. Here we get to find out why he is the way he is when it comes to relationships. We also get to see that he was not the heartless SOB that he appeared to be when he first met Perry. Getting to see his point of view gives a voice that was missing as to how things were progressing.

I think it will be enjoyed by fans of the series whether you love or hate Dex. But who wouldn’t love the adorable scoundrel. 🙂

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

“I was head over heels in love with her. No, that didn’t describe it. I was tear my fucking heart out and throw it at her, beg her to take it into hers. I was falling from the greatest heights with no safety net below. I was giving everything of my own life for hers, giving up every inch of my soul so she could wear it proudly. I was a former king on my knees in front of the queen. A jester begging for a chance. I was powerless, helpless and at her mercy.”
― Karina Halle, The Dex-Files

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The Benson

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the benson

The Benson (Experiment in Terror #2.5)

A nice interlude to whet the appetite for another rousing adventure. Perry’s abilities are growing as she actively works the ghost hunting angle. She wanted to be able to help the people or ghosts and she has.

What else can I say. If you have never read any other of the Experiment in Terror novels this can give you an idea of what is in store. Then go back to the first and really enjoy it. This is a fantastic series!

 My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Nothing like a hot woman to make two chubby girls feel like they’re having a bonding moment.”
― Karina Halle, The Benson
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Lying Season

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lying season

Lying Season (Experiment in Terror #4)

I was emotional the whole time I was reading this. One minute up the next minute down, Dex and Perry are both so stubborn. Jenn is the biggest liar of the whole thing, I knew she was he one doing dirt. Well, pride goeth before the fall and I guess we can see what it brings. This was a gripping episode because it changes everything for everyone involved.

While I would love to say more, I think reading it will be more enjoyable. There is lust, deception, angst, horror, and mystery. What more could you ask for.

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

“You’re the light in all this madness. You’re my light. I should have been with you…” The thought hit him as his face crumpled in amazement. “Oh God, why am I not with you?”
“Because you’re an idiot,” I said.”
― Karina Halle, Lying Season

 

 

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Extinction End

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extinction end

Extinction End (The Extinction Cycle #5)

 

I love this series and am very happy with the way things have played out in this last entry in the main story. The writing has just gotten better and better from book to book.The characters were already well done but have also seemed to gain more depth and emotion as things have progressed throughout. The language never caused the story to drag either through dialogue or descriptions. The action was just that, action packed and engrossing. The monsters were everything you would have expected as they morphed into even more grotesque creatures. I was totally into the story from the first page to last.

In the midst of some devastating losses we have even more things happening to make life almost unbearable. Kate, Meg, Tasha, Jenny, and many other survivors are taken from Plum Island and may be lost. Reed and Big Horn come home to find them missing but is still happy to see that Fitz and Apollo are not lost to them. The juvenile variants are a much bigger threat than originally thought, but they may still at least be able to eliminate part of the problem. But can they get back the woman who helped create the weapon? Will the remaining members of Team Ghost and the Variant Hunters be able to neutralize the juveniles and take back the cities? It is an uphill battle that is fought with courage and honor by everyone except a very few.

The action starts from the beginning and barely gives you time to breath as it moves from one tense situation to the next. One of the things I have loved about these books is that when they are in tight spots the way they get out makes perfect sense and does not seem contrived or over the top. I have cried and laughed and cheered for these characters because they have become like friends and family. I am going to miss them and hope to see them again in better times.
Great series, great book, Highly Recommend!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Fitz slid his mask into position and pulled his bandana up to cover it. He breathed in, and picked up a distinct sour smell of sweat. It took his mind a moment to grasp that it was from the bandana’s previous owner. A piece of Riley was going back out there after all. And so was a piece of Meg. Glancing down, Fitz admired the axe hanging from his belt. He’d sawed the handle down so it would fit over his armor, but that didn’t change the fact it had been Meg’s. She’d held onto it all the way from New York to the GW. When Garcia had given it to him, Fitz had thought he might display it as a memento of her. Then he decided that a better way to honor her memory would be to split some Variant heads with it. He wasn’t much of a religious man, but he did believe the deceased lived on in the hearts and minds of those they left behind. Today, Riley and Meg would join them in battle.”
― Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Extinction End

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